Chavista Supporters Burn U.S. and Israeli Flags in Caracas

A group of Chavista supporters gathered in Caracas's Plaza Bolívar on Friday, burning U.S. and Israeli flags and chanting anti-American slogans. The protest was fueled by recent political events, including the capture of Venezuela's former president.

Demonstrators also trampled on photographs of U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, shouting phrases like "Gringos, go home" and "This is not aid, it's an occupation." This latter chant referenced U.S. aid provided after a devastating earthquake on June 24.

A banner displayed the message "Yankees, murderer of Venezuela!" The demonstration saw participation from members of the ruling PSUV party and deputies from the chavista National Assembly. This action follows recent statements by Trump, who has claimed to control Venezuela and its interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, since the former president's capture in January.

The protest's organizers announced their intention to defend "the homeland" against what they described as a "great Yankee and Zionist presence." Simón Bolívar, a key figure in Venezuelan independence and the inspiration for Hugo Chávez's socialist doctrine, was invoked. Chávez and his successor, Maduro, frequently delivered anti-imperialist speeches targeting the U.S.

However, since Maduro's capture, Rodríguez has, at Washington's request, promoted legislation opening the oil and mining sectors to private enterprise. The United States, which oversees Venezuelan crude oil exports, is gradually lifting sanctions against the country.